Noteworthy Non Profits

The topic: Five Great Non Profits Making a Difference

Non profit organizations have taken a huge hit due to the sluggish economy and the state of Illinois budget crisis. Yet, these organizations have found ways to continue the vital programs they provide to the people, and animals, who need it most.

Huntley Patch salutes these organizations and has a few you should know about in this week’s Patch Picks:

• It’s Our Little Secret, Huntley

This is a new non profit that is working to empower children who’ve been sexually or physically abused. Huntley residents founded IOLS.

Last Christmas, IOLS gathered toys donations and blankets for 303 children. A little boy received a bed from American Mattress in Crystal Lake along with bedding. The organization has created a Child Abuse Prevention Coalition in McHenry County and is planning events for National Child Abuse Awareness Month in April. For a list of activities or to volunteer, go to www.itsourlittlesecret.org.

• Animal House Shelter, Huntley

Huntley Patch has worked with the no kill shelter for Patch Paw Pals featuring cats and dogs who need a home. Lesley Irwin founded the shelter in June 2002. Irwin’s inspiration was an American Staffordshire she rescued after the puppy was dumped out of a car on Lake Cook Road, according to the shelter's website. She named the puppy Kiley, who died in 2008.

 The shelter has saved over 15,000 dogs and cats to date, according to its website. If you walk into the lobby on any given day, you’ll see puppies waiting to be processed or volunteers walking dogs. Everyone there is passionate about the shelter’s mission. To volunteer, click.

• McHenry County Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS), Woodstock

This homeless shelter provided a safe haven to 591 homeless individuals from all over the county, including 86 families and 120 children, according to its website. It has numerous programs that help the homeless including a day services center, a transitional living home and a transportation program.

McHenry County PADS is holding a special fund-raising event, Sleepout for Shelter, scheduled for April 30. The event gives people a way to experience homelessness. For more information or to volunteer for the event, go here.

• Pioneer Center for Human Services, McHenry

This organization provides countywide services in the area of developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, sexual assault and autism. It also is oversees PADS.

One of the programs is Stepping Out Adult Recreation Program for aging adults with developmental disabilities, according to its website. Its last newsletter has a touching story about Ron and how the program has helped him.

Pioneer Center has many different fundraisers throughout the year and raises money through its second-hand store, Sweet Repeats Thrift Store in Huntley. For more information, click here.

• Grafton Food Pantry, Huntley

What started in a closet at the Grafton Township Supervisor’s office has expanded over the last four years into a full-fledged non profit organization.

John Rossi was the supervisor when he started the food pantry in the township office. But he lost reelection in 2009 and moved the food pantry out of the township’s building. The food pantry saw an increase in the number of families needing help at Christmas and served 200 families.

The food pantry often needs donations to keep its shelves filled, if you have a donation or want to volunteer, click here.